SUNDAY: Thanksgiving was wonderful and the subsequent leftovers were thoroughly enjoyed…but, after the bird was roasted, sliced for sandwiches, and diced into turkey noodle soup we are ready to move on. Tonight we are making the most of the mild weather here in the Bay area and grilling beautiful, grass~fed, organic strip steaks…

Accompanying our steaks this evening will be oven~roasted potatoes drizzled with an oil infused with garlic, rosemary, thyme, and oregano as well as simple broiled green beans. You must check back for the sauce…it is simply addictive and we have been enjoying it as a topping to eggs in the morning for breakfast for the last 3 days.

MONDAY: I made this lovely soup + a roasted grape~ricotta bruschetta a short while ago but never got around to sharing the bruschetta recipe. You are in for a treat as this toasted bread, caramelized grape + cheese side is absolutely wonderful…a sweet~salty combination that pairs so well with the savory soup!

TUESDAY: This Chinese chicken dish is more commonly known as Kung Pao Chicken…a somewhat spicy chicken + peppers entrée served over rice. Tonight, this familiar Chinese take~out dish goes homemade with a blend of soy sauces, Chinese rice wine, chicken stock, balsamic vinegar, sesame + peanut oils, dried hot red chiles, scallions, garlic, fresh ginger + peanuts. The chicken mixture will be served over a bed of brown rice and peas. After allowing the chicken to marinate for half of an hour, the meal comes together in less than 15 minutes.

WEDNESDAY: I adore the earthy flavor of mushrooms and chanterelles, currently in season, have to be my favorite. What I would give to go foraging for them in the woods on a late autumn, misty morning but, until then, my friends at Far West Funghi in the SF Ferry Building will happily satisfy my craving. These woodsy treasures will be consumed in a creamy risotto this evening, using homemade stock, and served with one of our favorite vegetable sides from Thanksgiving…broiled green beans with lemon gremolata.

THURSDAY: This evening’s soup will feature onions that have been caramelized in the slow~cooker with a homemade, rich beef broth that I started over the weekend. My meat~loving family adores this rich soup! The heirloom apple salad is a seasonal treasure tossed with a dressing of crème fraîche, rosemary, garlic + champagne vinegar.

FRIDAY: A handful of appointments and errands have me away from home all day so our favorite chicken salad sandwiches will be served using grocery market, rotisserie chickens {a time~saving step to these amazing sandwiches}…

Post navigation

Kitchen Table Wisdom

"There is enormous pleasure in cooking good food simply and in sharing the cooking and the eating with friends & family. I think it is the best antidote to our overstressed modern lives. And there is nothing better than putting a plate of delicious food on the table for the people you love."
~ Alice Waters

"I would rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck"
~ Emma Goldman

"...no one is born a great cook, one learns by doing." ~ Julia Child {My Life In France}

"Eat together. No matter how modest the meal, create a special place to sit down together, and set the table with care and respect. Savor the ritual of the table. Mealtime is a time for empathy and generosity, a time to nourish and communicate." ~ Alice Waters

"Dining with one's friends and beloved family is certainly one of life's primal and most innocent delights, one that is both soul-satisfying and eternal." ~ Julia Child